Kids Are Heros Blog - Check it out!

WOW, I get teary eyed when I see a child play nice with an animal or carefully move a little bug to safety, or help a younger child with something. These children are amazing! Of course I work in the profession of children and teens - and I would argue with adults that are "children-at-heart" = so I am lucky to work in a profession where I hear a lot of these wonderful stories and get to facilitate many wonderful missions!

http://www.justgabe.com/blog-for-kah/

My first Custom Mascot - Tortilla Chip

Well here it is - my first Custom Mascot. A tortilla chip for a Salsa fest, here is his journey to full fledged live size chip! Here is his own face book page!

 https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002541409762

This is the official APRA Arizona Salsa Festival logo. The mission - first to have a successful event so that APRA can keep on, keeping on; and second for me to produce a life size "tortilla chip" to be the mascot of the inaugural event!

So there is NO pattern for a giant chip - or pizza, sponge or cheese wedge. Trust me, I looked and scoured the Internet for ANYTHING remotely close. Nope! I was on my own. So the first thing I did was get dimensions and of course make them larger than life :)

I carefully scaled my salty friend and then went to the craft store. This is what Chip started out at...

A pile of tan felt. I started with the eyes, one so that I wouldn't get confused when cutting the larger pieces of fabric. But also, in the making of the eyes, Chip immediately had character, and it gave me the extra boost I needed to actually "see" that I could do this. Well once the piece were cut, it did not take long to sew together. I soon had a felt "shell" of a chip and next I added it's color. Without the orange, brown and added darker tan (like the logo) - it kinda looked like pizza dough or a sponge.

Next came the hardest point for me, which was making Chip structurally sound and actually "crisp looking, or remotely triangular. I first tried plastic mesh from a hobby store but the weight of the costume weighed the corners down, and once the persons head was in - it just drooped to almost their shoulders. I also didn't want to use anything to "industrial" because people would need to be comfortable in their and I didn't want the costume to weight a ton from a bunch of steel rods. I also needed it to be "squishy" like a mascot and pliable - so wooden dowels wouldn't work - they would just snap if under pressure. What to do?

I figured it out! Unfortunately, the artist added a sombrero to Chip, so keeping a hat on him, and finding a hat big enough was the next step. Then instead of slaving away over making orange tights and a shirt for the "under ware" I bought GOLD colored cotton blend Haynes. A long sleeve shirt and sweat bottoms (which have not arrived yet) off of Amazon because it is a rare color and not carried in stores.

Supplies and materials at craft store = $59.45, a hat at the costume store = $19.99, Sweats on Amazon, plus shipping = $54.97.

Total cost = $134.41

Total time = approx. 20 hours

One of my favorite pics of Chip - dancing at the Salsa Festival. He made it! From office floor to standing (dancing) at event!

How to make a tortilla chip costume

Making a life size tortilla chip

tortilla chip costume 

tortilla chip mascot

life size tortilla chip

custome mascots







Where were you on 9-11-01?

‎9-11-01: What were you doing 10 years ago on that Tuesday? I was on my way to a work trainning (still part time with the City of Mesa, AZ), driving on the US60 west bound, and everything was, in slow motion. I could tell something was different or wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it. The cars were slow but steady (not in any hurry, but going and not 'backed up' like they usually were) and whatever was on the radio was not making any sense.
I listened to 92.3 at the time. And have NEVER listened to them since (based on their coverage of that day). Then my mom used my cell phone for the first time, to call me and told me what was happening (back when cell phones weren't 'big' to me). My husband was working graves, so he was still asleep and had no idea what was going on either. My first fear was he would be called to go somewhere that would be dangerous. I finished training, as everyone in the class agreed to continue...true American fashion...then returned home and watched TV for the next 48 hours.

I cried the most for the people in the planes. By then we had heard the 'cell phone calls' and we knew that the people on the plane knew they had been hijacked. So I just kept thinking how fearful those people were, knowing they were going to die. And then I was sad for the families of people who searched in vain for WEEKS for bodies that didn't exist! They had no one to bury, no body to identify...just mad me sad. God bless American!

Since then by the way, I have gotten Satellite Radio and listened to Howard Sterns coverage of that day, (I think it was the one year anniversary tribute), and I have listened to him ever since! No one does radio like him.

A mothers night of insomnia - and a storm to boot!

I can't sleep: I'll watch a movie, I will watch HP7 part 1 on my iPod. After all part 2 is coming out and I should catch up on it. Whoa, it's 11pm, Ok, I am into this...I'll watch the rest & fall asleep. Nope. It's 1 am. I will listen to Nature Sounds...rain. Nope. There is REAL rain out side, a mansoon. And from the sounds on the monitor, it's keeping Eme awake, and our labs who are on the verge of suicide. Shaking and chattering at our door. Whinning. Now I can't stop thinking about what is blowing away & getting wet outside. Should I let the dogs in our room? No, they will just keep me awake. It's 3 am, naturally I should go outside & secure whatever it is I think is blowing away at and getting wet.



Well, now, it is only 4 am, I should use this last hour to really get some sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Damit, are you not listening? I said SLEEP!! I mean it! Not working. Rain nature sounds be damned!! Ok, well there is only 20 mins left before the alarm goes off, the least you can do is relax...try and rest...before....zzzzzzzzz​zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Holy crap, what just happened?? What? Where? Who? Oh, I must have finally got to sleep - Yeah, that just happen! Monday? Really!? Hopefully tonight will go better...

My Review of Spectrum&Trade; Scoop Toss (Pack of 6)

Originally submitted at S&S Worldwide

Scoop Toss is an indispensable tool for teaching eye-hand coordination and is a good lead-in to P.E. lacrosse games. The "big" scoop set contains one of each color set for a total of 12 scoops and 6 Lite Flite balls. Get the "Scoop" today! Don't pay a lot and still bring yo...

Spectrum&Trade; Scoop Toss (Pack of 6)

Great, Teens loved them!

By Recreation from Fountain Hills, AZ on 6/20/2011

 

4out of 5

Pros: Great colors, Easy to use, All Weather, Affordable, Easy Assembly

Cons: Not for competitive play

Best Uses: Camps, Teen Events

Describe Yourself: Recreational player

Was this a gift?: No

Great colors, and affordable way to get lots of product for teens or kids to play with. Not the MOST sturdy thing ever made - so I wouldn't suggest it for competitive play. But for recreation and occasional events with kids - great!

(legalese)

My Review of Color Splash!® Budget Lacing (Pack of 15)

Originally submitted at S&S Worldwide

This lacing is perfect for every lacing project. Solid plastic lace will not crack, chip or peel and is more pliable, durable and flame resistant than your average budget lacing. An excellent medium preferred by healthcare facilities, camps, schools and recreation programs. Colors include Orange, N...

Color Splash!® Budget Lacing (Pack of 15)

Ok but a little thin

By Recreation from Fountain Hills, AZ on 6/20/2011

 

3out of 5

Pros: Good Variety, Stores Easily

Cons: Poor Quality, Too thin

Best Uses: Scrapbooking/Cardmaking, Art, Camp, Teen crafts

Describe Yourself: Child Care Provider

Primary use: Business

Was this a gift?: No

It was Ok. I am used to the thick laces we have gotten in the past. And this was really too thin for the project we were using it for, and there seemed to be a lot less of it (meaning quantity) but that could be becuase it was so much thinner than I exspected. Good for beading and scrapbooking becuase it's light wieght.

(legalese)

My Review of Spectrum&Trade; Mesh Duffel Bag, 15"X36"

Originally submitted at S&S Worldwide

Easily organize equipment for each class with these mesh bags. Match ball colors to the bag's color. Eliminate confusion between yourself and fellow teachers. Mesh duffel bags come with an adjustable shoulder strap and easy-open zipper. 15" x 36". Please specify red, yellow, blue, gr...

Spectrum&Trade; Mesh Duffel Bag, 15"X36"

Ok for ligth wieght stuff

By Recreation from Mesa, AZ on 6/20/2011

 

2out of 5

Pros: Affordable

Cons: Not good for heavy stuff, Not good for bulky stuff, Flimsy

Best Uses: Recreation

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

Was this a gift?: No

Bought it becuase it was cheap and we needed just something to put our new equipment in. Luckily it was light wieght (i.e. waffle balls) and not too bulky becuase it worked. But it is not a very sturdy bag - so I would not recommend even basketballs in it. Just foam, or dodgeballs or field hockey stuff - if its not heavy.

(legalese)

My Review of Spectrum&Trade; Table Tennis Paddle Set (Set of 6)

Originally submitted at S&S Worldwide

6 virtually unbreakable plastic table tennis paddles, one in each of our Spectrum colors. Perfect recreational paddles in everyone’s favorite colors! Don't pay a lot and still bring your "A" Game. That's the Spectrum Difference. Spectrum products deliver superior quality at...

Spectrum&Trade; Table Tennis Paddle Set (Set of 6)

Great for Teen events

By Recreation from Mesa, AZ on 6/20/2011

 

5out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Easy Storage, Sturdy

Cons: Not for competitive play

Best Uses: Teen Events, Camps, Kids, Recreation Facility

Describe Yourself: Casual Player

Was this a gift?: No

Great, teens just LOVE ping pong, and this was an affordable way to get LOTS of paddles that would last without spending a ton of money. Not for competitive play though - those players are a little more picky. But the fun colors make them popular and easy to find.

(legalese)

My Review of Spectrum&Trade; Scoop Toss (Pack of 6)

Originally submitted at S&S Worldwide

Scoop Toss is an indispensable tool for teaching eye-hand coordination and is a good lead-in to P.E. lacrosse games. The "big" scoop set contains one of each color set for a total of 12 scoops and 6 Lite Flite balls. Get the "Scoop" today! Don't pay a lot and still bring yo...

Spectrum&Trade; Scoop Toss (Pack of 6)

So much for fun for camp/events

By Recreation from Mesa, AZ on 6/20/2011

 

5out of 5

Pros: Easy to use, Easy To Transport, Fun colors, Sturdy

Best Uses: Teen Events, Camps, Daily kids activity

Describe Yourself: Recreational player

Was this a gift?: No

Great for needing a "bulk" item and easy to use game for camp or teen event. So popular and fun colors. Again, easy to use and sturdy enough to hand out. Not competitive stregth though.

(legalese)

My Review of Color Splash!® Budget Lacing (Pack of 15)

Originally submitted at S&S Worldwide

This lacing is perfect for every lacing project. Solid plastic lace will not crack, chip or peel and is more pliable, durable and flame resistant than your average budget lacing. An excellent medium preferred by healthcare facilities, camps, schools and recreation programs. Colors include Orange, N...

Color Splash!® Budget Lacing (Pack of 15)

Too skinny but Ok for mass crafts

By Recreation from Mesa, az on 6/20/2011

 

2out of 5

Pros: Good Variety

Cons: Poor Quality, Too thin

Best Uses: Scrapbooking/Cardmaking

Describe Yourself: Child Care Provider

Primary use: Business

Was this a gift?: No

It was nice to have a variety but the laces are too thin for making key chains. We were using the traditional box/square weaving for a teen craft, and the lacing was just a bit too thin to really get started. Good for just beading or scrapbooking, becuase it is light wieght.

(legalese)

My Review of Bulk Table Tennis Balls (Pack of 144)

Originally submitted at S&S Worldwide

Quality recreational table tennis balls inspected and tested for consistent performance. Pack of 144.

Bulk Table Tennis Balls (Pack of 144)

Great for teen events

By Recreation from Fountain Hills, AZ on 6/20/2011

 

5out of 5

Pros: Consistent

Cons: Break Easily

Describe Yourself: Casual Player

Was this a gift?: No

Great for teen event, they go through them so quickley we needed alot!

(legalese)

HOW TO: Make a CD and duck tape purse, Recycle old CD's and DVD's

HOW TO: Make a CD and duck tape purse

Recycle old CD's and DVD's

This is how to recycle your old CD's or DVD's into a fun craft, using duck tape. Below are the supplies you will need.

A ruler, scissors, 2+ CD's, duck tape and a zipper 11' to 12' long. The duck tape can be any color you choose, I chose yellow because I happen to have a yellow zipper. Craft duck tape and zippers can be found at your local craft store or Target stores. I ordered these yellow ones on-line in bulk for a project. These make great camp or teen crafts. Just ask your co-workers, family or neighbors for their old computer CD's, music or DVD's and you will have a great supply before you know it.

Similar to the "cassette tape coin purse", you want to take the duck tape (I made a piece the length of the zipper) and tape it to the inside of the CD. In this case, I made one side of the purse the "outside" of the CD and the other side, the "inside" of a CD. I also taped the zipper flush to the CD's outer edge, but you can make it so there is a little more room inside by folding the zipper over more and taping it closer to the edge. This would allow you to actually put other CD's in this "purse" or CD holder. I also left the clear circle of the CD open for the look I was going for, but I have seen it done, where the circle and opening are covered with fabric, a sticker, duck tape or colored paper.

Once the zipper is taped to the CD (NOTE: it is easier to tape to each CD if the zipper is unzipped), I used smaller pieces of duck tape to cover the inside of the purse to give it a more finished look. I then used a small square piece to cover the are where the zipper comes together, also to give it a more finished look and make it a little more sturdy.

Now you can add a strap or handle, sticker to the outside, etc. Enjoy!

HOW TO: Make a Casset Tape coin purse with Duck Tape - Recycle crafts!

HOW TO: Make a Cassette Tape coin purse with Duck Tape

Recycle old cassette tapes!

This is what the finished product looks like. Below are the supplies you will need to make a coin purse out of an old cassette tape and duck tape.

You will need duck tape (color of your choice, available at Micheal's, Target and Jo Anne's) I used blue because there was blue on this old cassette tape I found. For mass projects or camps - ask your fellow employees, family or neighbors to bring in and recycle their old cassettes, you'll have a huge supply before you know it! I also used a blue 7 inch zipper - also available at crafts stores, although I ordered these in mass on-line for this project. Scissors, sometimes a box cutter and a ruler. Very basic. Great projects for "retro" themes, or for the teen "designers".

Basically you use a small screw driver to take the cassette tape apart, discard the reels and tape, and remove old stickers if applicable. Then you are going to tape the zipper to the inside of the cassette tape. I made the tape the lenght of the zipper and simple started where I wanted the zipper to open at and taped it along the edge of the cassette. There will be tape overlay, so make sure to make even and neat folds along the way, because the ripples and bumps that the tape make will take up room in your finished product later.

Once done with both sides (NOTE: it is easier to tape to cassette when the zipper is unzipped. I made a small square piece to go in the middle, just to give the inside a more finished look. You are then free to add stickers to the out side, make a handle, etc. Also, it should be noted that I put a small piece of the blue tape, over the tapes holes, so the the back of the tape wouldn't show through. But that is another opportunity to be creative. I have seen it done with fabric, color paper, old gift cards, etc. Enjoy!

Mario Bros Birthday Decorations - homemade

Super Mario Bros Birthday!!

This is how to make a wonderful MARIO BROS birthday party, with awesome homemade decorations! Lets begin with what the finished product looks like.



All the images and art used, we got off the Internet. A little fuzzy for my taste but we were up against a time crunch and the ended up looking very 3D'ish, which worked!

In order to get these wonderful "twirly-wind-catcher-things", look up any traditional paper lantern pattern on line, to use. In this case we doubled it, then cut down the middle of the lanterns so that we could slide them together and make the latern more 3D. In some cases I used doubled sided paper, and in others I glued two colors together, to get more of put together look.  

These are the tools you will need. Double sided tape, colored paper, tape, hole punch, swivels, jewlers rings, glue dots, double sided raised dots, scissors and a computer to find and print the images you want and to look up your latern patterns.

Here is a closer look at how to connect the different ornaments.

There is a LOT of printing and cutting involved. But once the characters and the bricks and the "lanterns" are all cut out - presto, you start sticking them together with glue and glue dots (for volume) and then add the dangly-twisty things and they are ready for hanging. Enjoy!



Spice up that old tuna sandwich

Sometimes you just need a change of pace and here is great little recipe I use to spice up my old tuna sandwich. Even though just a can of tuna and a some mayo is so easy, I think you will find this is easy too.

1 can tuna
1 can salmon
1 green onion
2 tbls light mayo
1 tble mustard
1 pinch dill weed
1 pinch Old Bay (fish seasoning)
1/4 sliced pickle + some pickle juice
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and enjoy!! I find it better after the mixture has had time to chill and then serve on some wheat bread with lettuce!

HOW TO decorate with paper lanterns - old tricks awesome chich look!

Remember kindergarteni? The good old paper craft making day?? The exploration into the infinite designs of 8 1/2 X 11 piece of paper!! Well here it is again. A great idea, never goes bad! Why re-create the wheel? I took only two patterns; one for traditional slated lantern and one for a round (kinda looked like honeycomb) lantern. P.S. for other GREAT ideas, I enjoied Martha Stewart's web page and her section on paper crafts included some cute hanging paper designs! Great minds think alike! Enjoy!!

Pretty Paisley Paper Lanterns - for girls bday party!

HOW TO: make a Pretty Paisley Paper Lantern
This is how to make a Pretty Paisley Lantern using pink and purple paper, on a black and white printer. I got and saved these images from clip art (key words: animal, prints, designs) and the paper is Xerox printer paper in various colors.

This is not completely finished, it needs to be stapled or taped into place, and a handle added. But image a bunch of these, different shades of pink and purple, with paisley, animal and shabby chich designs - black handles all hanging from the ceiling at different lengths. Way cool, cute and cheap! My 3 favorite c's!

Pretty Paisley Paper Lantern



Step 1) Go into WORD or a general computer document making program - insert a clip art or picture onto page. Or use the ones I have provided

Step 2) Find different patterns, prints and designs on line, in clip art, etc. Choose at least 4 different patterns to make your latterens. Get creative - patterns don't have to be from the same genre or era. Dots, strips, flowers, checkers, paisley, animal prints, etc!

Step 3) Clip, crop and drag image into middle of page and make fill the entire page - so when it prints, the pattern prints over the entire paper.

Step 4) Convert image to a "black and white" or some could use "gray scale" - OR make sure when you go to print that the printed is set on black and white. You could use color but not many colors print well on colored paper...but be creative!

Step 5) Fold paper in half long ways

Step 6) Cut 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch strips that are 4 inch long in from the fold - leaving approx 1 1/2 at the top or for the base and top of lantern

Step 7) Unfold that paper, circle the paper together, then staple or tape the edges together - (see diagram, then pictures)

Paper Lantern Diagram

This is great paisley design because it covers the whole page with out "stretching". 

You can also use animal prints - there is a significant more amount of ink being used but the effects are the same!

For me personally, I like adding a different color handle and "base". In this case black. If you take black construction paper and cut it on the short side - 1 inch strips, to make 11 strips - you make enough for five lanterns. See my other blog about decorating with paper lanterns. Enjoy!!

How To Make A Ribbon Barrette

Here is how to make a ribbon (covered) barrette:

OK, we all know of ways to duplicate an expensive item - this happens to be one of my favorite. The "oh-so-cute" ribbon barrettes that are every boutique and art fair are irresistible. But they also cost $2 - $3 a piece (or $5 for the pair), and as expected usually after the first time a toddle wears them, you only one left. So at one of the boutiques I brought a pair home to examine them more closely; in hopes I could make "matching" pairs to go with some of the outfits I had made my daughter.

So I found a pretty easy way to make them using those silver alligator  clips (you know the old fashion barber shops clips), 1/4 and 1/2 inch ribbons and glue. I also used gorilla clips to help hold in place the ribbon as I waited for it to dry. See picture.

So I started at one end and literally glued onto the silver clip the ribbon, holding it in place with the gorilla clips. Then I did make bows on the brown clips and glued those on too. HINT: to keep the ribbon from fraying I used a lighter to lightly burn the ends of the ribbon and give them a nice rounded finish. But be careful when using an open flame and know what kind of material you are using to avoid burning your self or starting a fire, and don't leave any of the materials where a child could get a hold of them. Have fun!

How To Make A Picnic Invitation or BBQ Apron

How To Make A Cute Homemade Birthday Invitation - Picnic/BBQ Apron Invitations:

Using card stock white computer paper, computer graphics, red construction paper, a hole punch, red thin ribbon and glue.



If you look to the left of the picture - that is the formatted 8 1/2 X 11 card stock that I ran through the printer after I designed the invitations in WORD. I used a basic shape to form the neck of the apron - then used a rectangle to complete the apron and hide the other side of the shape - giving me what looks like a long apron, I also placed little tiny circles to show me where I would later make hole punches (I kept the shapes outlined in red to make it easier to cut them out, for me the red outlined on the back of the invitations was not a big deal - you could use a different color out line if you wish to be more discrete). I then used a picnic pattern to complete the apron - what I would later fold over to make a pocket.

Then I used a picture from clip art to make a hamburger - I also clicked on "washout" to lighten the hamburger so the red text would stand out. I then put the invitation information over the picture, using "50's Fandango" font. Each 8 1/2 X 11 made two invitations.

I then cut out the pieces.

  After all the aprons and hamburgers were cut out; I folded over the pockets on the aprons and glued the edges (to make a pocket - leave the top open); then I cut out hamburger shapes from the red construction paper and glued those together, if want it to looked "matted" then make sure the red paper is just a little bit bigger, to leave a red "outline" around your hamburger invitation.

Once everything had dried, I punched 4 holes in each apron; two in the neck, and two for the waist strings. Then I cut a 12 inch pieces of red string to lace through the holes. Making it look like part of the apron. I did not print anything on the back of the hamburger, but this might be a good place for further direction, a map or other specifics about the party. Good luck and have fun! Ask me for more ideas!

Cost of Living in 2010 - by who's deffinition??

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-15/u-s-consumer-prices-rise-0-1-increase-0-1-excluding-food-energy-costs.html
Well, I heard good news and bad news this week, and I almost couldn't believe my ears: The good news was, some cities and companies are considering pay increases in the 2011-2012 fiscal year budgets for about 1% - 4%; the bad news I heard - "the cost-of-living in the US has not gone up much".

My question was - is it better to suggest a "cost-of-living" increase or just a all over merit increase? To me "cost-of-living" increase sounds more essential and merit sounds more like "optional". Yes, some of us deserve both - however most people who have to deal with the bottom-line won't see it that way. So, I was then told - no, don't suggest a "cost-of-living" increase, because it could be "argued" that the cost-of-living hasn't really gone up? Really??

That's news to me because I have a small child and I am pretty sure that in just 2 years that cost of milk has, I have also had to join a carpool in 2008 because of, that sky high jump in GAS prices! Not to mention health care - it use to cost just $25 for a co-pay, now it's $35...
GAS 2009 $2.66 - 2010 $2.91 (I didn't do 2008 b/c there was that HUGE summer jump)
MILK 2008 $2.74 - 2010 $3.50
STAMPS 2008 $.39 - 2010 $.44
MOVIES 2008 $7.00 - 2010 $10.50

(wiki.answers.com)

Apparently rent has been steady, car prices are lower, and "COMMODITY" costs such as home furnishings, electronics and airlines prices are steady or lower in some cases, due to  "retailers" trying to "stimulate" the buyer...
It also includes "CORE" measures, which excludes "CONSUMER" costs such as, the (volatile) cost of food,  building materials, metals and energy costs.

Which I would argue, even though rent is steady and buying a home costs are down - what about building a new one? If copper and metals are at an all time high, and building materials are more expensive, then buying a new house would cost more, right? Besides that I don't buy new houses every year, or cars, or electronics, or furniture!~

I buy GAS, MILK, STAMPS and MEAT!!

Re-Heat Pancakes Like a Pro!

MOMMY TIP OF THE DAY: to re-heat pancakes - cut them so they fit and put them in the toaster. They get nice and toasty warm, with golden crispy brown outsides, and not soggy like the microwave, enjoy :)

I hate waste and pancakes, from a restaurant are not always the best take home dish the next day. But lets face it - places like Egg and I who make "child size" pancakes the size of my daughters head and as thick as her thigh - she can barely eat a 1/5 of it and seems such a waste of money and food!! So I brought it home, then the next morning looked at with guilt. Was I really going to "re-heat" this in a microwave?? And who owns a toaster over these days?? So the toaster was the next best thing. I had to trim one side a little bit, but the toaster dried up any moister from the fridge and brought life back to my breakfast!! Enjoy